7 Inspirational TED Talks for Moms

24 November 2014

7-inspirational-ted-talks-moms

I often get asked what inspired me to start blogging. Being a new mom in a new neighborhood in a foreign country contributed to a special level of loneliness. As an entrepreneur’s wife, it also meant a lot of nights being home alone with a sleeping baby and nothing but the internet (read = Facebook mommy groups, the Huffington Post and Scary Mommy) and books to keep me company.

 

I created my blog Finding Dutchland in the summer of 2013 with some general goals: to aid in personal self-growth, to connect with other moms, and to share my experience as a parent in the Netherlands. I never imagined that more than a handful of people would actually read what I had to share. But what actually gave me the impetus, the final push to set-up my WordPress blog, was watching these seven inspirational TED talk videos.

 

Chances are that you already are familiar with TED, but for those who are not, the premise of TED (originally an acronym for technology, entertainment and design) is that it’s a “platform for ideas worth spreading.” The TED organizers “believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world.” And since the best things in life are free, anyone can access these captivating talks about socio-economics, science, philosophy and technology online, anytime and from the convenience of their homes.

 

What I love most about the TED talks is that they not only challenge conventional wisdom, but also create momentum. This isn’t surprising when you have a thought leader presenting his or her life’s work and passion with an enthusiastic live audience that is curious and hungry to learn. And all talks conducted within twenty minutes or less.

 

I’ve compiled a list of seven TED talks with young moms like me in mind – the moms up late at night, nursing or cradling their babies back to sleep; the moms in the thick of those early years when real life isn’t Pinterest perfect; and moms who yearn for a little more intellectual discourse than the babble of babies and toddlers. It’s also a great parenting source, providing interesting ideas that one can apply to his or her own parenting philosophy.

 

These TED talks are captivating for anyone who is on the cusp of self-discovery and needs a friendly push to live a more honest life true to their heart’s calling. Or for anyone needing a feel-good inspirational talk in the middle of the night. Their words help guide me to be the writer, mother, wife and person I aspire to be. I hope that they speak to you the way they’ve spoken to me.

 

1. Chimamanda Adichie : The Danger of a Single Story

This was the TED talk that encouraged me to write. Through Adichie’s soulful prose, I was inspired to share my story as a Filipino-American mother living in the Netherlands.

 

2. Brené Brown: The Power of Vulnerability

Brené Brown’s “The Power of Vulnerability” is arguably the most therapeutic TED talk that exists. Warning – it can lead to lots of tears and the start a lot of healing. There’s even an amazing Facebook group if any of you are interested in getting more valuable life lessons from her. Following her advice made me a whole lot happier.

 

3. Sir Ken Robinson: How Schools Kill Creativity

Sir Ken Robinson’s TED talk “How Schools Kill Creativity” is the most viewed TED talk ever. He makes a compelling case for designing an education system that nurtures – rather than stifles – creativity. As a firm believer that education begins at home, it’s never too early to start learning about the educational system and opportunities available for our young ones. It’s where I learned the importance of play.

 

4. Jill Bolte Taylor: My Stroke of Insight 

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor asks us to rexamine our life and all the negativity that we impose on ourselves and everything and anyone around us around us.

 

5. Shane Koyczan: To This Day … For the Bullied and Beautiful

Unfortunately, bullying isn’t just restricted to the school classroom. It can happen anywhere and everywhere, behind closed doors at home, and on the internet. Nonetheless, listen to the words of Shane Koyczan as we create a safer world for us and our children.

 

6. Rita Pierson: Every Kid Needs a Champion

I wish every single child will come across a teacher like Rita Pierson at least once in their life as their champion. Teachers are our society’s unsung heroes.

 

7. Sarah Kay: If I Should Have A Daughter

I can just fall into the spoken words of poet and educator Sarah Kay. She brilliantly describes the mother I aspire to be for my child(ren). It’s no wonder how she got two standing ovations during her TED talk.

 

 

Attending a TED conference one day is on my bucket list. Until then, I’ll be busy sharing the lessons of Dutch kids growing up happy – an idea that is definitely worth spreading.